Will You Change the V6 for a diesel?!

[DC runner]

I'd like to point out that while this ultra-low sulfur fuel is good in some respects, it is complete garbage to the engines. Part of the reason manufactuerers are not importing as many desiels is because we have such piss poor quality. Not to mention the large number of desiel engines taking a dive because of the lack of sulfur and some other additives that were used as lubricants. Its like when we switched from lead to non-leaded fuel. These engines really need to have additives added almost every fill up to prevent serious issues. (Attended a course on desiels that went through this, our main engine was the 6.0L PowerStroke, but it is not endemic to that particular engine)

Also, while a desiel 4Runner would be cool, getting parts here would be a pain in the ass. Not to mention that few dealerships would have experience with them.

I agree but don't care. That first decade after the switch from leaded to unleaded no doubt allowed for some crappy engines to roll out; actually more than a few.

But you know what happened? Innovation and adaptation. Low Sulfer is the ONLY way they were going to be able to come back in large numbers. It isn't simply big daddy government, it is American's as a whole. We have less tolerance for dirty exhaust, we don't like the look of it.

I look at gas engines now vs. 40 years ago and look how far we have come; WITHOUT the need for leaded fuel. My engine no longer causes my children to have seizures at the lead exposure, and it will go 200k easy if cared for.

I don't care. I totally agree that the current generation of diesels are suffering. GOOD! Innovation will occur and the products will improve, because if they don't; know one will buy it. I hate un-needed regulation as much as the next man, but I also know that regulation isn't always a bad thing. Cars are 100 times cleaner, more reliable and efficient than even 20 years ago. I am excited for the innovation and change. Adam Smith, the man himself when it comes to our Capitalist economic system, admitted that at times buisness needed to be "nudged" in the right direction. The comfort of easy can sometimes deter innovation. I have no problem with increased fuel standards. How is this ANYTHING but a good thing? Car companies will continue to do what they do.. innovate!
Innovate or die.

So. Dealers will adjust. The Market will accommodate and correct. The diesel engines that we develop will continue to improve and evolve. If this means we have an adjustment period, so be it; consider it the price of progress and one day, when an ultra clean and ultra efficient diesel engine rolls off the line - I will be the first in line to buy it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I actually agree with you 100% DC, the only reason I mention that is if you own an older or current generation Desiel, you need to make sure you take care of it because the very fuel that you put in is damaging the engine.

But the new technology coming out is awesome.

 

[MikeInNH]

Its like when we switched from lead to non-leaded fuel.

The problem was that lead free gas burned a LOT hotter then leaded..Like over 100 degrees hotter. Many engine oils at the time would sludge up because of the extra heat. Quaker-State was one (their formula has improved so it's not an issue now). I've seen oil sludge in engines with less then 3k after the last oil change.

The same thing was happening a few years ago with some Toyota engines. Toyota had decreased the size of it's cooling channels in the heads so the engine would get hotter and produce less emissions. The problem was that conventional motor oil would start sludging in less then 3k miles. Toyota has since changed their engine design to run a little cooler. The other solution was to use a full synthetic oil that wouldn't sludge up at the higher temps.

 

[MikeInNH]

I hate un-needed regulation as much as the next man, but I also know that regulation isn't always a bad thing.

Unleaded regulation came about because the Auto industry REFUSED to do it themselves. In fact under Nixon....the big 4 (AMC was still around) were given MILLIONS of dollars in tax cuts to solve the pollution problem. After 3 years of spending the tax payers money...they came to the conclusion that we can't make the cars any cleaner then they already are....THUS the FORCED regulation.

 

[MikeInNH]

I hate un-needed regulation as much as the next man, but I also know that regulation isn't always a bad thing.

Unleaded regulation came about because the Auto industry REFUSED to do it themselves. In fact under Nixon....the big 4 (AMC was still around) were given MILLIONS of dollars in tax cuts to solve the pollution problem. After 3 years of spending the tax payers money...they came to the conclusion that we can't make the cars any cleaner then they already are....THUS the FORCED regulation.

 

[DC runner]

I read that, trying to figure out what you are saying? You agreeing, that at times, a little "nudging" is a good thing???

 

[MikeInNH]

You agreeing, that at times, a little "nudging" is a good thing???

I'm saying that a LOT of nudging is a good thing. The auto industry has proven time and time again they need to be nudged in certain directions for the benefit of the people.

Pollution control is ONE....They've fought every single step time and time again to decrease emissions. And very very few have done anything on their own. The last time Cafe' standards were increased was the last time auto manufacturers did anything to increase gas mileage. Take a look at what the standard is and what each manufacturer is averaging...All of them are right near of extremely close to the Cafe' standard. Some companies did design safety features into their cars before asked by the government...but many didn't. Most REFUSED to..until they were mandated. And then there's the few cases like the Pinto...Where Ford KNEW the Pinto was a safety issue, but declined to do something about it because they felt it would cost more money redesigning the gas tank then it would be settling law-suits from injuries and deaths.

Emissions have drastically improved since the 60's...cars get much better gas-mileage for the same size vehicle with the same or better performance....and cars are far safer they were......I'm convinced that without nudging...emissions and gas-mileage would be almost the same as it was in the 60's...and cars wouldn't be nearly as safe as they are now.